17-18th September 2026
Chester Zoo, Chester
Registration is now open for the Tenth Annual Meeting of the Animal Welfare Research Network (AWRN), which marks a significant milestone for the network under the theme “AWRN at 10: Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future.” The meeting will bring together researchers, stakeholders and practitioners from across the animal welfare community to reflect on progress made over the past decade and explore future challenges and opportunities in the field.
The programme will feature plenary talks, short presentations, breakout discussions and horizon-scanning activities designed to foster collaboration and stimulate new ideas. Invited speakers include Professor Mike Mendl (the first AWRN Network Lead), Lisa Holmes (Lead Conservation Scientist: Behaviour & Welfare at Chester Zoo), and Dr Robert Hyde, co-founder of Vet Vision AI.
The event will be held at Chester Zoo, providing delegates with opportunities to engage with a wide range of animal welfare topics in a unique and inspiring setting. An Early Career Researcher Afternoon will take place on 16 September, offering additional networking and development opportunities for early-career researchers.
Registrations are now being accepted, with early-bird tickets available until 31 July 2026, subject to availability.
For further information and registration details, please click here.